Leo Sher, M.D.

Multiple lines of evidence suggest that testosterone may affect mood and behavior both in males and in females. However, the role of testosterone in the pathophysiology of suicidal behavior remains unclear. Studies of the relation between testosterone and suicidal behavior have been mostly focused on male populations and produced inconsistent results. The variations between the results of the studies of the relation between testosterone and suicidal behavior could be related to many factors including differences in sample selection criteria and differences in time intervals between suicide attempts and blood sampling. We have recently published the results of the first study on the relation between testosterone and suicidal behavior in females (1).Our prospective study has demonstrated that testosterone levels may predict suicidal behavior in women with bipolar disorder. To read the abstract of our paper, please click here.

1. Sher L., Grunebaum M.F., Sullivan G.M., Burke A.K., Cooper T.B., Mann J.J., Oquendo M.A. Association of testosterone levels and future suicide attempts in females with bipolar disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 2014, Vol. 166, pp. 98-102.